Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Need an easy weeknight dinner idea? These air fryer chicken thighs are quick to prep and use 7 basic ingredients.
This is one of the easiest ways to make juicy chicken thighs without standing by the stove. Serve them with anything you like.
In a hurry? Bone-in thighs usually need 15 to 20 minutes. Flip halfway through and cook until the thickest part reaches 165°F (75°C).
What I tested: This recipe was developed in a 5.8-quart (5.5-liter) basket-style air fryer using 4 bone-in thighs (skinless) totaling about 1.5 pounds (680 grams). Your time can vary a little depending on thigh size and your air fryer model.
How to make air fryer chicken thighs
You will need:
- Chicken thighs, bone-in, skinless (or skin-on)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Ginger
- Garlic powder
- Oil spray (not needed with skin-on thighs)
Equipment and tools:
- Air fryer
- Small bowl + dessert spoon (or fork/knife) for mixing the seasoning
There are barely 3 steps to this recipe.
- Mix all the seasoning in a small bowl.
- Coat each piece of chicken evenly with the mix (both sides). Use all the seasoning for 4 thighs.
- Cook until the thickest part reaches the right temperature.
Air fryer chicken thighs are cooked at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then turned over, sprayed with oil, and cooked for another 6 to 10 minutes or until the thickest part reaches 165°F (75°C). I start with the thighs bone-side down. If you want more browning, turn them back bone-side down for the last 1 to 2 minutes.
Quick tip: If the thighs look wet, pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. It helps the spices stick better and improves browning.
If you are not sure the chicken is done, use a food thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part without touching the bone. When it reads 165°F (75°C), you can take them out and serve.
Quick troubleshooting
- Seasoning looks pale: a light oil spray helps (especially skinless thighs).
- Browning too fast: start checking a few minutes early next time, or drop the temperature slightly.
- Not cooking evenly: avoid overlap and cook in batches.
- Smoke in the basket: wipe excess oil/grease from the bottom and avoid letting drippings burn between batches.
Can you stack chicken thighs in an air fryer?
Unfortunately, you can’t. The important thing to remember when cooking in an air fryer is that the food should have room around it so the air can circulate and cook it evenly.
For this reason, you might need to cook in 2 or more batches when feeding a crowd.
A 5.8-quart (5.5-liter) air fryer can usually cook 4 to 5 chicken thighs (I used 4 but could have fit one more) or 3 to 4 chicken breasts, depending on their size.
Recipe Q&A
Cooking time depends on your air fryer and the size of the thighs (larger takes longer). Count with about 20 minutes. If you want crispier results, cook a little longer, but always check doneness with a thermometer.
Boneless thighs cook faster. Start checking early and don’t rely on time alone. The thermometer is the easiest way to get them right.
That depends. You don’t need to flip if it has skin on (cook it skin-side up). If it doesn’t, I recommend turning it over halfway through the cooking time.
Yes, but they cook faster. Start checking early and don’t rely on time alone. The thermometer is still the easiest way to get them right.
Both work.
Skinless: oil spray helps the surface cook up nicely and keeps the seasoning from looking pale.
Skin-on: skip the oil spray, cook skin-side up, and give it a few extra minutes if you want more crisp.
I like serving these with wedge salad and Parmesan roasted potatoes.
You can also serve them with rice, orzo salad, barley risotto, and more.
My tips
- Like I’ve already mentioned, don’t overcrowd the air fryer. It helps everything cook evenly.
- I always preheat my air fryer for 2 minutes by setting the time and temperature manually. Your model may handle preheating differently, or it may not be needed, so check the manual.
- Seasoning: this is a simple recipe with only a few ingredients, so I don’t recommend omitting any of them.
- Want more color? A light oil spray helps, especially with skinless thighs.
- Want a cleaner read on doneness? Check the thickest thigh first and avoid touching bone with the thermometer tip.
If you are looking for air fryer dessert recipes, I have two for you: air fryer hand pies and air fryer cinnamon rolls.
I also like ham & jalapeno air fryer pinwheels made with puff pastry, so if you’re entertaining at home, give them a go.
More chicken recipes you might like
- Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Chicken Chasseur
- Crispy Chicken Tenders
- Chicken Paprikash
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 4 chicken thighs skinless, bone-in (see note 3)
- cooking oil spray
Equipment
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika and ginger. Rub this onto each chicken thigh on both sides.
- Place the chicken thighs into a pre-heated air fryer bone-side down, spray with cooking oil and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Turn them over and cook for another 6 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you want more browning, turn them back bone-side down for the last 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve with a side of your choice.
Video
Notes
- This recipe was developed for a 5.8-quart (5.5-liter) air fryer.
- Always make sure the chicken is cooked through. The food thermometer has to read 165°F (75°C) and it’s best to check the thickest piece.
- I used 4 chicken thighs that weighed 1.5 pounds (680 grams) in total.
- The cooking time may vary slightly. This will depend on the size of the thighs as well as on the air fryer (different brands may have slightly different cooking times).
- Cook time is usually 16 to 20 minutes, depending on thigh size and your air fryer.
- For more tips and answers to common questions, check out the full post.
Just made this for lunch! So easy and so so good! Printed out the recipe to use in the future! Thank you so much!!!
That’s so good to hear, Natalie! Hope you try some more recipes from our blog :)
This was delicious. The chicken was flavorful and juicy. It was perfect. Im in love with my new air fryer! I’ll definitely use this recipe again.
I’ve had my air fryer for two years and I’ve only ever used it for frozen nuggets and frozen fish fingers. Today I made your chicken thighs and they were delicious and so easy! I definitely need to get out more!
That’s so good to hear. Thank you so much for finding time to leave comment and rating.